Professional Documents
Culture Documents
An Alternative Bleaching Stain Remover From Bilimbi
An Alternative Bleaching Stain Remover From Bilimbi
Submitted by:
Althea Masbang
Jairelle E. Navalta
Mary Relativo
2023
Chapter I
INTRODUCTION
Oxidation of metals is one of the usual problems that we encounter not just in our
households but also in different work places even before. Corroded objects is causing
bothersome for
a lotof people because those materials cannot be efficiently as it used to be. Nowadays, a lot
of rust removing agent is merchandise in the market, somehow most of them contain harsh
chemicalsthat can be hazardous to our health. So to resolve the matter, the researchers cast
about for the basic all natural ingredients of a rust remover to provide a non-
toxic, cheaper and moreaccessible for all.Once a metal is corroded, the only option to save the
metal is to completely destroy the rust. However, prolonged exposure and contact with the acids are
proven bad for the health and alternatives are being used as a replacement to the commercially sold
rust remover.
Baking soda or Sodium Bicarbonate helps to regulate pH keeping a substance neither
tooacidic nor too alkaline. When baking soda comes in either an acidic or an alkaline
substance, itsneutral effect is to neutralize pH. Beyond that, it has the ability to retard further
changes in
pH balance known as buffering. This dual capability allows baking soda to do such as neutral
izeacidic odors as well as maintain neutral pH. It is a simple reaction, but one that has far-
reachingeffects for a number of cleaning and deodorizing tasks
The bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) belongs to Oxalidaceae. It is closely allied to Averrhoa
carombola which is commonly known as Starfruit. Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi) is a
multipurpose, drought resistant evergreen tree with various therapeutic potentials. Bilimbi
is an attractive, long lived perennial evergreen tree widely cultivated in the gardens and
fields. It has a short trunk soon divides into a number of branches. The trunk is stout,
Corky brown. The branches bear compound imparipinnate leaves mainly clustered at the
apex alternate 10 to 25 inches (30 to 60 cms) long with 10 to 35 alternate or downy sub
opposite leaf lets, ovate or oblong with rounded base and pointed tip, medium green on upper
surface and pale on the lower surface 0.75 to 4 inches (2 to 10 cms) long and 0.5 to 1.2 inches
(1.25 to 2.25 cms) wide(2,3) (Kumari 2017)
The fruit is also widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a wide range of
ailments. It is also a potential source of pectin. Carambola fruit juice has been shown to
contain active constituents such as vitamins, amino acids, ascorbic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric
acid, citric acid, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Assessment of the physicochemical
properties of carambola fruit juice from ripe and unripe fruits showed that the pH of the fruits
increased with advance in maturity, being 2.4 for green mature, 2.7 for half-ripe, and 3.44 for
ripe fruits. A. carambola is a very good source of oxalic acid, with oxalic acid contents that
can be as high as 1wt% of wet mass (representingabout74% of the total acid content
depending on the level of maturity of the fruits) (Borel, 2014). The pH of the fruit slightly
increased with the advancement in maturity. Ripe fruits were significantly less acidic (pH
4.82) than green young fruits (pH 3.43) and half ripe fruits (pH 3.56) (Patil et al, 2010).
This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Star fruit (A. carambola) fruit
The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Star fruit (A.
1. To determine how fast can the alternative bleaching stain remover remove the iron
remover.
The importance of this study lies in its exploratory nature as it attempts to unveil the
effectiveness of the A. carambola fruit extract as an alternative bleaching stain remover. This
study is innovative in the sense that it will help the community to be resourceful in using the
A. carambola fruit. Also, to inform the citizen to use a bleaching stain remover in a cheaper
price than a commercial product. By conducting this study, the citizen can save time, money
and effort in finding the best scientific solution to their laundry problems.
Scope and Limitation
This study would like to find out the effectiveness of the alternative stain remover
product from Star Fruit (A. carambola) extract, its quality in terms how fast can it remove
iron stains in terms of time in minute. This study is only limited in the analysis of
effectiveness and effect of the product to the stain and to the cloth. This study will only limit
2.1.1 Definiton
an age old plant (Kumar & Arora 2016). It has a bushy shape with many branches producing
a broad, rounded crown. At the base, the trunk reaches a diameter of 15cm (Dasgupta et al,
characteristic shape resembling a five pointed star, and each cell of the fruit contains five
(a) (b)
Fig. 2.1 Star Fruit (A. carambola) (a) fruit and (b) tree
The carambola fruit is a large berry with a length of 7.13 cm (young) to 10.17 cm
(ripe). The diameter of the fruit was more for ripe fruit (5.45 cm) than that of the green young
fruit (4.08 cm). The fresh weight of the green young fruit was found to be 29.12 gm, which
increased gradually to 41.03 g and finally to 59.91 g in half ripe and full ripe fruit,
respectively. Similarly an increase in dry weight and pH was also observed. The dry weight
ranged from 1.28 g for young fruits to 2.57 g for ripe fruits. The pH of the fruit slightly
increased with the advancement in maturity. Ripe fruits were significantly less acidic (pH
4.82) than green young fruits (pH 3.43) and half ripe fruits (pH 3.56). No significant change
in moisture percentage was observed with ripening of fruits, the values being 95.60, 95.90
and 95.71 per cent in young, half ripe and full ripe fruit, respectively (Patil et al, 2010).
Carambola supposedly has its origins in the local region, found on the islands of Java
up to the Philippines. From the Malay Archipelago, it spread to other parts of the world. The
juice of the fruit, being acidic, can be used to clean metal surfaces (Thulaja, 2016). Acid type
carambola tarnish and rust, occasionally used for cleaning and polishing metals. Fresh juice
of the fruit is used to remove stains from clothing and other particles. Unripe fruit of
al,2012).
Plant management involves the propagation of balimbing from seeds, which may take
20-25 days to germinate, and growing it preferably in a rich loam soil. Meanwhile, it takes
about 4-6 years for a seedling tree to fully blossom and bear fruits. If grafted, it may only take
2-3 years. Varieties such as Fwantung, Arkin, Kembangan, and B11 are among the superior
Though growers can expect fruiting all year round, recommended harvesting time is
from May to August when the heaviest crop comes in. There are no known serious diseases
for the plant, but oriental fruitfly is considered as its most mortal enemy. Wrapping and
bagging the fruits are done to address this issue. (Barion, 2012)
2.1.3 Star fruit(A. carambola) Extract Content
Oxalic acid has been identified as the principal acid in the carambola (Averrhoa
carambola L.) and the bilimbi (A. bilimbiL.). While quantitative levels have been reported
for carambola, oxalic acid has only been reported qualitatively for bilimbi. Levels of 9.6
mg/g in ripe carambola and 5.0 mg/g in green fruit. These levels represent seventy-four
percent (74%) and forty percent (40%) of total acid respectively in the fruit. Oxalic acid
levels in ten selections and cultivars. They ranged from 0.39 mg/g in sweet cultivars to 6.79
mg/g in sour carambola cultivars (Joseph and Mendonca, 1991). The oxalic acid content of
star fruit (A. carambola) increased from 0.63 to 1.04 % for young and ripe fruits,
respectively. In the present study a significant decrease in chlorophyll content was observed
in ripe fruits as compared to young and half ripe fruits, which was indicated by golden yellow
colour of the fruit (Patil et al, 2010). The high concentration of oxalic acid in this fruit is
and panthothenic acid. The Ascorbic acid levels of the star fruit is believed to be responsible
for its sweet or sour taste. For a sweet fruit, the ascorbic acid level is around 10.40 mg per
100ml of juice. For a sour fruit, the ascorbic acid lever is about 15.4 mg per 100ml of juice
extracts of A. carambola fruit showed the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids
and saponins . The total phenolic content (TPC) of the fruit extracts was measured using the
phosphomolybdic acid by phenols in the presence of aqueous alkali. TPC in aqueous and
ethanol extracts ranged from 74.93 to 80.31 mg GAE/g and 90.92 to 99.55 mg GAE/g (dw),
Star fruit is a good source of Vitamin C, however, Vitamin C only slightly contributes
to TAC. This is consistent with present results. In SPE fractions, FRC 2, which mainly
contains peaks eluted after 30min, accounted for around 80% of TAA. FRC 1, which mainly
collected polar organic acids prior to 30min including Vitamin C, accounted for less than
20% of TAA. FRC 3, which may mainly collect those more non-polar components,
Extraction of Averrhoa carambola fruit was done in different solvents. The results of
the Averrhoa carambola analysis of these medicinal plants showed the presence of alkaloids,
phenols, flavonoids, protein, tannins, steroids and glycosides. The hydroethanolic extract
showed better result of phytochemical analysis than other solvents. The total antioxidant
acid method showed low absorbance value, which indicated the high level of antioxidant
activity. The present study reveals that the selected fruit would exert several beneficial effects
by virtue of its phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity which could be harnessed
as drug formulation.
Oxalic acid is an odorless, colorless powder or granular solid that is slightly soluble in
water. It occurs naturally as the potassium or calcium salt in many plants and vegetables,
such as spinach, Swiss chard, rhubarb and beets. Oxalic acid is also the product of the
metabolism of many molds. The chemical is a relatively strong acid, also known as
ethanedioic acid, ethanedioic acid, ethane-1, 2-dioic acid, or oxiric acid. Oxalic acid is used
cleaning; in bleaching straw (hats) and leather; in removing paint, varnish, rust or ink stain; in
dye manufacturing; in chemical synthesis; and in the paper, ceramics, photographic and
rubber industries. In veterinary medicine, oxalic acid has also been used in vitro as a blood
persticide formulations that are applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities
dicarboxylic acid. It is soluble in the water, and acts as a strong acid. This acid does not exist
in anhydrous form in nature and is available commercially as a solid oxalic acid dehydrated.
paper bags or flexible containers. Anhydrous oxalic acid can be efficiently prepared from the
dehydrated by azeotrope, such as benzene and toluene. (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006)
Oxalic acid is used in various industrial areas, such as textile manufacture and
processing, metal surface treatments leather tanning, cobalt production, and separation and
recovery of rare-earth elements. Substantial qualities of oxalic acid are also consumed in the
Oxalic acid and oxalate salts are poisonous. Oxalic acid is found in many plants,
e.g., sorrel and rhubarb, usually as its calcium or potassium salts. Oxalic acid is the only
possible compound in which two carboxyl groups are joined directly; for this reason oxalic
acid is one of the strongest organic acids. Unlike other carboxylic acids (except formic
acid), it is readily oxidized; this makes it useful as a reducing agent for photography,
bleaching, and ink removal. Oxalic acid is usually prepared by heating sodium formate with
sodium hydroxide to form sodium oxalate, which is converted to calcium oxalate and
treated with sulphuric acid to obtain free oxalic acid. (Encyclopedia 6th ed.)
those have double bonds between carbon atoms or oxygen atoms. A good sample is beta
carotene, and the section goes into more detail on how molecules become colored. Bleaches
Oxidizing bleaches like sodium hypochlorite break the molecules at the double bond.
These result in either a shorter molecule that does not absorb visible light, or a molecule
whose chromophore is either shorter or non-existent. A shorter chromophore will absorb light
of a shorter wavelength than visible light (such as ultraviolet light), and so does not appear
colored.
Pure chlorine gas will bleach colors, in laundry bleaches, sodium hypochlorite or
calcium hypochlorites are actually used, and they work by releasing oxygen, not chlorine.
The chlorine remains in solution, either as sodium chloride (table salt), or calcium chloride.
These bleaches are made by bubbling chlorine gas through a solution of sodium
knoswn as “bleach”) takes salt and water through an electrolytic process. The electrolytic
process requires a significant amount of DC power. Bleach production plants, equipped with
rectifiers, can generate potentially damaging harmonic currents if not mitigated or controlled
with solutions of caustic soda, soda ash (sodium carbonate), or a combination of caustic soda
and soda ash. Soda ash processes produce less stable sodium hypochlorite solutions. For that
reason, only the caustic soda processes will be discussed in this handbook. Potassium
hypochlorite, another bleach product, can be produced with the same equipment for
production of soda bleach solutions. As previously stated, chlorine will react with a caustic
Chemical 2 NaOH
Cl2 + NaOCl + NaCl + H2O
Symbol
Molecular 2 (40.00)
70.91 + 74.45 + 58.45 + 18.02
Wt.
Table 2.1 Equation of producing Sodium Hypochlorite with chlorine and caustic soda
From the molecular weights of chemically pure materials, one pound of chlorine plus
1.13 pounds of caustic soda will produce 1.05 pounds of sodium hypochlorite. These
calculations do not include any excess alkalinity needed in the resultant hypochlorite solution
for stability. Since commercial materials are not chemically pure, the foregoing calculations
must be revised to take that into account. For practical purposes, chlorine can be assumed to
be 100% pure. Dry caustic soda is about 98% pure. The value of 1.13 divided by 0.98 gives a
factor of 1.15 pounds of commercial caustic soda to react with one pound of chlorine. Since
the strength of caustic soda solutions is given as actual concentration of sodium hydroxide
content, the theoretical factor 1.13 will apply in calculations with caustic soda solutions.
The degree of hardness in water for dilution will influence the ratio of chlorine to
caustic soda. Some caustic soda will be consumed by reacting with the hardness salts of
calcium and magnesium in the water. The exact ratio of chlorine and caustic soda will depend
on the available water quality and the amount of excess caustic soda desired by the bleach
Many stains may be removed from clothing and household furnishings, increasing
their quality and prolonging their useful life. A stain is a chemical reaction between the
staining agent and the fibers and finishes of a fabric. There is no single product or method
for removing all stains, because the chemical makeup of each stain and agent is unique.
Rust stains on clothing are often the result of old water pipes or the presence of
dissolved iron in the water. The stains may also appear on dishes, sinks and plumbing
fixtures. On white clothing, rust shows up as unsightly brown, yellow or bright orange spots.
Before attacking the spot, be sure the stain is iron rust and not rust-colored stains resulting
ambient temperatures, comprising oxalic acid and an activating amount of ferrous ion. We
have also found that the use of this formulation removes rust better than formulations not 10
brownish stains. If you accidentally brush up against a rust surface, you’ll be rewarded with a
serious laundry stain. To have their optimum corrosion resistance, stainless steel surfaces
must be clean and have an adequate supply of oxygen to maintain their passive surface layer.
Rust staining can occur and has been reported as anything from a slight brown
‘bloom’ on the surface to severe surface pitting or rusty scour marks on items such as
handrails. These effects usually due to surface contamination with contact with non-stainless
steel items. Iron contamination can be costly to remedy, and is avoidable. These issue have
been well documented and most publications and stainless steels deal with the problem.
Star fruit (A. carambola) was collected at a farm in Dumarao, Capiz last September 8,
2017. The sample was brought to Dumangas Country Village, Tabucan, Dumangas, Iloilo.
The star fruit (A. carambola) was sliced into pieces and was blendered it to get its extract.
The extract was stored in a sealed container and refrigerated for further use.
The physical and morphological characterization Star Fruit (A. carambola) were
determined based on its length (in cm), weight (in g), color, and texture and pH level. The
data for the length, weight, color and texture of Star fruit (A.carambola) was obtained from
getting the average of the ten (10) samples. The pH level of Star fruit (A. carambola) extract
The ingredients for the production of bleach includes 25mL of caustic soda, 50mL
of soda ash, 50mL of chlorine, 250mL of star fruit (A. carambola) extract and 1 litre of
water.
In a clean container, water was added and caustic soda was diluted in it.
Ingredients were mixed in an open environment to avoid inhalation of toxic fumes. Soda
ash was added gently followed by the addition of chlorine to the mixture. It was mixed
until a homogeneous material was achieved, then it was covered and kept for at least an
hour. The mixture was filtered to remove the unwanted substances and it was placed in a
Specific amount of Star fruit (A. carambola) extract was added to the Sodium
Hypochlorite mixture. The finished mixture was packed into a plastic container with
fitted lids.
The percentage yield of Star fruit (A. carambola), before and after the
W original−W
Percentage yield= final
x100
W original
Where:
W final = The final weight of Star Fruit (A. carambola) after extraction
3.3 Determination of the Effectiveness of the Bleaching Stain Remover
The type of cloth that was used for the experiment was Peach Well, white
color. The iron stain was obtained from a rusty iron rod and was kept for 24 hours
bleaching stain remover was applied to iron stain on a white cloth. Five (5) tests were
conducted; first was with 0% or the controlled variable, then 25%, 50%, and 75% of
Star fruit (A. carambola) extract. The time was measured if how fast can the different
concentrations of the bleaching stain remover can remove the iron stain. The
produced bleaching stain remover was also compared to the commercial bleaching
The stained cloth was soaked in each treatment for five (5) minutes. After five
(5) minutes, the cloth was agitated to properly remove the stain. The time in minutes
All data in replicate was subjected to One - Way ANOVA using SPSS version 20.0 at
A. carambola
Statistical Analysis
Based on the given data below, Star fruit (A. carambola) is acidic for it has as low pH
level which is 4.
Table 4.1 Physical and Morphological Analysis of Star Fruit (A. carambola) (Mean ± SD)
After measuring and gathering datas from ten (10) samoles of Star fruit (A.
carambola), the physical and morphological analysis of Star fruit (A. carambola) in table 4.1
shows that the length average length of Star fruit (A. carambola) is 6.29 cm, the average
weight is 27.60168g, the color is from green to yellow, it has a rough texture and a pH level
of 4.
The weight original weight of Star fruit (A. carambola) before the extraction was
382.7 grams, and after the extraction, its weight was 239.6664 grams. Using the equation:
W original−W
Percentage yield= final
x100, the value of percentage yield was 37.37538542%
W original
Weight before
Sample Weight after Extraction Percent (%) Yield
Extraction
Star Fruit
382.7 g 239. 6644 g 37.37538542%
(A. carambola)
Table 4.2 Percentage Yield of Star Fruit (A. carambola) After Extraction Process
Treatment Star Fruit (A. carambola) (mL) Sodium Hypochlorite (mL)
A (0%) 0mL 100mL
B (25%) 25mL 75mL
C (50%) 50mL 50mL
D (75%) 75mL 25mL
E (Commercial
0mL 0mL
product)
Table 4.3 Production of Bleaching Stain Remover from Star Fruit (A. carambola) Extract
In producing the bleaching stain remover, each treatment has a total of 100ml. In
treatment A, it is composed of 0mL of Star Fruit (A. carambola) and 100mL of Sodium
Hypochlorite. Treatment B with 25mL Star Fruit (A. carambola) and 75mL Sodiium
Hypochlorite solution.
As shown in, figure 4.1, treatment C (50%) was the most effective among the
concentrations which had taken 1:18.3 to completely remove the stain in the cloth. It is also
highly significant that it is more effective compared to the control variable (0%) with 2:40.3
time taken to remove the stain and to the commercial product with 2:45.6 taken time to
completely remove the stain. With the given data, it shows that the alternative bleaching stain
02:52.8
02:09.6
Time (minute)
01:26.4
00:43.2
00:00.0
0% 25% 50% 75% Control
Treatment
Fig. 4.1 Determination of the effectiveness of Star Fruit (A. carambola) extract as an
alternative bleaching stain remover
The figure shows the time in minute that each treatment has removed the iron stain on
the cloth. Treatment A with 0% of A. carambola extract, removed the stain with 02:40.3.
Treatment B with 25% A. carambola extract with 02:18.8 times taken remove the iron stain.
Treatment C with 50% A. carambola extract has removed the iron stain within 01:18.3.
Treatment D with 75% of A. carambol extract removed the stain in 02:05.0. Lastly, treatment
E, the commercial product namely Brand X has removed the iron stain in 2:45.6. The results
shows that treatment C with 50% A. carambola extract has removed the iron stain on the
white cloth the fastest and is the most effective among the treatments.
Conclusion
stain remover.
Recommendation
1. Instead of using A. carambola, future researchers may use A. balimbi fruit extract as
2. Other parts of A. carambola like leaves extract can be used for other researches
scripture, Philippians 4:13, which states: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthen
me”. The researchers believe their strengths was granted not so much in a direct manner but
through family, friends, classmates, and mentors who accompanied them on their trek in their
own special ways. For every person who had played a part, no matter how small or large.
Thank You!
Thank you Almighty God for all the blessing, enlightenment, guidance, and divine
assistance to finish this study. The researchers’ parents for their moral support, love and
To Ms. Cindy Ysabelle Armada, for sharing her knowledge and valuable advices,
suggestions, assistance, constant encouragement, prayers and understanding all along in the
conduct and completion of the study. For the patience and understanding she extended.
Thank You!
To Mr. Paulo Cabanero and Mr. Alexander James Roth for their comprehensive
guidance, keen advices, concern, suggestion and support as well as their kind words and
continued encouragement for the improvement of this study. To the researchers’ classmates,
for the sharing of ideas and encouragement with the researchers. Thank you.
Thank You!
References
Singhal G., Manda H., Vyas K., and Pandya A. (2012). A Complete Review on:
Borel N.N.M., Tendo J., Yufanyi D.M., Etape E.P., Eko J.N., and Ngolui L.J.
for the Facile and Green Synthesis of Divalent Metal (Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cu)
Manodeep C., Payal G., Pankti K., and Jagadish K. (2012). Phytochemical and
Patil A., Patil D., Phatak A., and Chandra N. (2010). Physical and Chemical
Leong, L.P. and Shiu, G. (2003). Analysis Of Polyphenolic Antioxidants in Star Fruit
www.sciencedirect.com
Kumar, H., and Arora, T. (2016). Starfruit: A Fruit for Healthy Life. Journal of
Dasgupta P., Chakraborty P., Bala N.N. (2013). Averrhoa Carambola: An Updated
https://www.ijpr.in/Data/Archives/2013/july/3005201302.pdf
Saghir S.A.M., Sadikun A., Khaw K.Y., Murugaiyah V. (2013). Star fruit (Averrhoa
Khana Z., Sam K.H., Zakaria N.H.B.M., Ching C.H., and Bhat I.U.H. (2015).
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1018364715000063
Joseph J. and Mendonca G. (January, 1991). Oxalic Acid Content of Carambola and
http://rfcarchives.org.au/Next/Fruits/Carambola/CarambolaAcid191.htm
Vijayalakshmi C. and Brindha D. (2017). Phytochemical Screening and Total
Pp 935 – 944.
“Oxalic Acid.” The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. Retrieved August 03, 2017 from
Encyclopedia.com
https://ia800506.us.archive.org
Kurian, J.C. (2010). Amazing Healing Plants. Philippine Publishing House: Manila,
Philippines
Patil A., Patil D., Phatak A., and Chandra N. (2010). Physical and Chemical
Bilimbi information
Why do we need an alternative bleaching products ? social impacts
Research Gap for instance unexplored or how will it contribute to the society
Hypothesis
RRL
Links :
Definition of terms:
There are financial barriers to having effective bleach because it is required by every
household and has a high demand ; the prices need to be low and affordable for the general
public . Some bleach is cheap , but quality is being compromised and often do not give the
consumers satisfactory results . Other bleach offers the customers efficient outcomes bu t
are not budget-friendly . It is known that money is never easy t o earn and work for , given the
situation and economic status in the Philippines.
First and foremost, we would like to thank and show our gratitude to our Almighty
God for giving us the guidance and giving us what we all need to accomplish this
research paper. Through Him and His will, we are a step closer to our dreams.
We would also like to express our sincerest gratitude to our beloved research
teacher, Mrs. Rig
gie M. Villahermosa, for guiding and supporting us throughout this
whole school year. This research paper wouldn’t be possible without her guidance.
Also, her lectures have helped us to make this research paper better
We also want to show our appreciation
to our Advanced Chemistry teacher, Mr.
Orlando Villanueva for guiding us and assisting us with everything related to science.
His comments and suggestions really made a big impact into our experiment. Also, his
remarks made our research paper better and m
ore precise.
vii
We would also like to thank, our adviser and our English teacher, Mrs. Olive
Baon
, for supporting us all throughout this project. Her motivational words is what keep
us motivated and close to greatness. Without her patience, this research paper could
not have been possible. Also, a big thanks to her for correcting our grammar and
helpi
ng us to choose the right words to put in our research paper.
And lastly, we would like to thank our class, 10
-
St, Albert the Great, for being
with us the whole time. Your support was truly appreciated. Thank you for walking with
us throughout this jour
ney.
D
EDICATION